Essential Reloading Equipment for Beginners
mikal jason
Reloading involves taking empty cartridge cases, removing the spent primer, resizing the case, recharging with powder and seating a new bullet. It requires a specific set of tools which vary in price and function.
As a beginner, you’ll also need a reloading manual for specific instructions and safety protocols. A caliper is an excellent tool to have for precise measurements.
Caliber and Grain
The caliber and grain of a bullet is one of the most important factors for determining how that ammunition will perform. The term "grain" refers to the weight of a bullet, measured in grains (or 1/7000th of a pound) and can impact accuracy by influencing how much recoil it produces—a heavier bullet will cause more backward movement of the firearm when fired.
Choosing the right grain will depend on what you will be using your gun for, as different uses require differing bullet specifications. For example, lighter grains will work well for range, sport and practice shooting as well as varmint hunting; while a heavier grain works better for hunting larger game and self-defense purposes because it transfers more energy to the target at closer distances and offers greater accuracy and consistency.
Case Prep Tools
Keeping track of case dimensions while blueprinting and preparing them for reloading can be challenging, especially when the job is done by hand. A high quality caliper and a set of the appropriate size tools to chamfer and deburr the case mouth, clean the primer pockets and de-burr the flash hole are critical. Also, a pair of reloading trays keeps cases upright and a plastic ammo box is helpful to keep your finished cartridges and test loads organized.
An electric case prep tool can save you a lot of time and effort. RCBS offers one with six electrically driven stations that include a case-mouth chamfer/deburr, VLD inside reamer and both large and small primer pocket cleaners with steel brushes. The unique anodized aluminum handle unthreads in the center to hold all parts, and both ends are threaded to accommodate two tool heads at once. The unit can be mounted to either side of the bench to suit left or right-handed users.
Reloading Die Set
Dies are the threaded pieces you mount into your reloading press that perform the vital processes of resizing and flaring, bullet seating and crimping. These dies are typically cartridge specific and, when set correctly, ensure that your ammunition is made to the exact dimensions required for reliable function in your firearm.
The standard reloading die set will come with a full length steel sizing die and a bullet seating die. You'll also need a shell holder and powder dipper that match the
calibers you plan to reload.
Choose a quality reloading die set from RCBS, Lee or Hornady. A premium reloading die set will give you the flexibility to customize your load for maximum performance and accuracy. It will include a full-length sizing die, collet neck-only sizer, dead length seater and factory crimp die, plus instructions with load data. Buying a complete die set is often cheaper than purchasing individual dies. It will save you a trip to the store to pick up additional dies, shell holders and other equipment.
Reloading Press
As with any reloading process and using reloading supplies, focus is key. Create a dedicated space for reloading, and avoid distractions or interruptions. This will ensure precision and safety, and ensure that each step is completed before moving on to the next. For beginners, a single-stage press that performs one action per handle pull and requires manual indexing is ideal. High-volume reloaders should consider a turret or progressive press, which automate the reloading process and increase speed.
In addition to a press, consider accessories and additional features that can streamline your reloading process and improve efficiency. Case feeders, powder measures, and bullet feeders are all popular options that can make your reloading sessions quicker and more effective. Look for a durable and sturdy press, crafted with quality materials that will stand up to use over time. Finally, choose a press that offers a clear and intuitive setup and operation. A user-friendly design will help you get started faster and learn more easily.